Ludwig Van Beethoven's life is one of the most astonishing stories of all time. Though the power of determination and will, he rose from his grief-stricken childhood as a little boy who was constantly abused by his alcoholic father to become Vienna's most famous and sought-after pianist, conductor and composer. At the pinnacle of his fame, tragedy struck again as he discovered his growing deafness. Despite excruciating pain, constant personal rejection and the terror and fear of the Napoleonic wars exploding around him, Beethoven found a way to pour his broken heart into his music, creating a pathway of hope and healing for all of us that led to a vision of universal peace and love in his Ninth Symphony.

On Beethoven's birthday, join Santa Rosa Symphony Music Historian Kayleen Asbo, pianist Emma Asbo and pianist and baritone Jason Byer for a candlelight concert in celebration of the life and music of a hero for our time in a musical journey that carries us from darkness to joy. All profits from the concerts go to funding initiatives to bring music education into local schools and provide scholarships for music camps for needy children.

Reserve your ticket for the Petaluma Beethoven Birthday Party here on December 17, 2019